James Small AW12 menswear collection at Vauxhall Fashion Scout

Titled ‘Dark Arctic',.....

....... this collection had plenty of furs ranging from the full fur jacket to..

.... just being the shaggy haired sleeves of a tailored blazer.

Cargo pants in jersey mimicked the ski pant with their attached braces and slight padding. With their utilitarian deep side pockets and teamed with check shirts, this was definitely a working arctic expedition.  

For a more streamline look, there was the alternative skinny jersey jogger looking smart casual worn with belted wool jackets and fur jackets. 

Jackets buttoned up at the side, some in a muted check pattern but all with patch pocket detailing.  These pockets adorned the sleeves as well as the front of jackets.

 Look closely at this navy belted jacket and you’ll see the pockets on sleeves but also a slanted breast pocket. 

 Colour palette was a serious range of dark neutrals with no colour brights, just a pale light offering from the silver grey.

Photographer Simon Armstrong

Topman - The Peacoat Project

Topman has collaborated with some of the most talented designers to give the much loved Peacoat a modern makeover. The Peacoat is the seventh instalment of the Topman ‘Classics Projects’
These new contemporary styles were launched in selected Topman stores and independent boutiques globally this month and retail between £130-£180

THE DESIGNS: -Which style would you go for?
 
Todd Lynn

Known for his rock n roll tailored aesthetic, Lynn's design includes multiple asymmetric zips and a belted waist  creating a harder sharper edge to the classic Peacoat.

 
Timo Weiland

Fashion duo Weiland and his design partner Alan Eckstein create the 'dapper' look with a modern twist, The soft italian wool fabric is a subtle navy and black check in the 60's longer length style. The coat has a button out borg lining for those chillier days.

Alister Mackie 

Mackie took inspiration from a 1940s naval coat owned by Primal Scream lead singer Bobby Gillespie . The fit is lean and lined with a romantic baby blue paisley print, plus corduroy edge slit pockets to replicate the original design..  

 

Tim Hamilton  

This design is a shorter boxy cut with mirrored buttons and a detachable faux leather quilted zip through waistcoat, giving an overall chunkier look. 

 
James Small  

Small's design was inspired by his own AW11 collection in which he used contrasting colours combing them with different military themes. The coat has military style brass buttons, a strong large collared lapel and navy contrast arms.


And not fogetting Topman Design themselves:

They went for a traditional navy wool Peacoat and gave it a modern youthful look by adding a button off  borg collar  and a button out quilted lining..

Gordon Richardson Topman Designer Director -  
‘I love the way each designer has interpreted this authentic garment with each of their own individual fashion identities. Alister concentrated on fit, Timo on fabrication, James on authentic utility detailing, Todd Lynn on a rock and roll aesthetic, Tim on a relaxed sportswear id and finally TMD with an aviator twist. It never ceases to amaze me how such a humble garment can be given such a rebel rousing makeover in the hands of great designers.’

www.topman.com 
Images provided by Topman Design